Are you tired of settling for subpar coffee from your outdated coffee maker? Are you on a budget but still want to enjoy a delicious cup of joe every morning? Look no further! We’ve tested and reviewed the best inexpensive coffee makers on the market to help you find a quality, budget-friendly option that won’t break the bank.
Key Takeaways:
- Discover our top pick for the best affordable coffee maker: the Bonavita Metropolitan 8-Cup Coffee Maker
- Learn about the essential features to consider when choosing an inexpensive coffee maker
- Find out why quick brew times and temperature consistency are crucial for great-tasting coffee
- Explore our recommendations for budget-friendly drip coffee makers and espresso machines
- Answer the question: Is it worth buying an expensive coffee maker?
The Best Budget Drip Coffee Makers
When it comes to ease of use and convenience, drip coffee makers are a popular choice. Our top pick for the best budget drip coffee maker is the Braun BrewSense 12-Cup Coffee Maker. It offers consistent brewing, with a marked difference between its standard and bold brew settings. It has a small batch option and an adjustable keep warm setting to prevent the coffee flavor from spoiling. The Braun BrewSense also comes with a reusable cone filter and a charcoal water filter to improve the taste of the coffee.
Another affordable option is the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 14-Cup Coffee Maker, which has a gourmet brew setting that falls between standard and bold. It can brew up to 14 cups of coffee and has multiple color options to choose from. The KitchenAid 12-Cup Drip Showerhead Coffee Maker is another great option in this price range, featuring a spiral showerhead design that evenly saturates the grounds for better extraction. It has two brew settings, a removable water reservoir with a handle, and a programmable timer.
| Coffee Maker | Features |
|---|---|
| Braun BrewSense 12-Cup Coffee Maker |
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| Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 14-Cup Coffee Maker |
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| KitchenAid 12-Cup Drip Showerhead Coffee Maker |
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Overall, these budget drip coffee makers offer great value for their price and brew quality coffee.
The Best Espresso Machines on a Budget
If you’re looking for an espresso machine that won’t break the bank, we recommend the Lelit Mara X Espresso Machine. It produces the most delicious shot of espresso among all the machines we tested. The Lelit Mara X is a prosumer model, meaning it offers professional-quality coffee at a more affordable price point. It has precise temperature control, excellent pressure, and a quality steam wand for frothing milk. Another option to consider is the Espro P7 French Press, which offers a different brewing style but produces excellent coffee. It has a double-filtered system that ensures full-bodied, sediment-free coffee. The Spinn Coffee & Espresso Maker is another budget-friendly option that combines both coffee and espresso brewing. It has a built-in grinder and can be operated with ease. Overall, these espresso machines offer great performance without breaking the bank.
Comparison Table: Espresso Machines
| Espresso Machine | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Lelit Mara X | Under $1000 | Precise temperature control, excellent pressure, quality steam wand |
| Espro P7 French Press | Under $100 | Double-filtered system for full-bodied, sediment-free coffee |
| Spinn Coffee & Espresso Maker | Under $500 | Built-in grinder, easy operation |
Other Budget-Friendly Options
- Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine: Compact size, fast heat-up time
- De’Longhi Dedica Deluxe Espresso Machine: Sleek design, adjustable brew temperature
- Gaggia Classic Pro Espresso Machine: Commercial-grade components, professional steam wand
Is It Worth Buying an Expensive Coffee Maker?
The decision to purchase an expensive coffee maker depends on your preferences and budget. While there is no definitive answer, it’s important to note that cheap coffee makers may not produce the best-tasting coffee. Expensive coffee makers often offer better control over factors like water temperature, brewing time, and grind size, resulting in a more consistent and higher-quality cup of coffee.
Drip coffee makers are a convenient option, with features varying based on the price range. The Café Specialty Grind and Brew Coffee Maker is a top pick for its ability to brew to the Specialty Coffee Association’s Golden Cup Standard, precise customization of water temperature, and built-in grinder. The Ratio Six Coffee Maker mimics pour-over technique and offers a sleek design. The Braun Brewsense 12-Cup Coffee Maker is a budget-friendly option that still produces a good cup of coffee.
When it comes to espresso machines, more expensive models often offer better temperature control, pressure, and steam wand quality. The Lelit Mara X Espresso Machine provides an excellent espresso experience at a more affordable price point. Ultimately, the decision to invest in an expensive coffee maker depends on your coffee preferences and budget.